The Black LGBT Emerging Leaders Initiative identifies young, rising stars (ages 18-30) in the Black LGBT movement and encourages the use of their voice to build networks and take action in their communities.

Check out our intern Kai's recap on 20-hours of awesome on the Hill (where no, sadly, we did not see Olivia Pope).

(l-r Mo, Ryann, Kai, Jckee)

On the cool morning of February 21st, before the sun, the boihood set off down I-95 for the Black LGBT Emerging Leaders day on Capitol Hill, hosted by the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC). Four hours later we were walking into a room full of Black Queer Youth and Elders all contributing to their communities in different ways.

Starting at the Russell Senate building for the roundtable discussion we got to learn about the different efforts and initiatives taking place all around the country. We then moved to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building where we were briefed by President Obama's staff as to the strides that have been made to promote equal rights for Americans, specifically Black LGBT people.

There were many sobering moments throughout the day as we came face to face with the amount of work left to do in our community. Black queer people of color are still dying, being imprisoned and being exiled from their homes and communities. We got a new understanding of how important our work is at bklyn boihood. Creating a safe space where bois and queer people of color are empowered is necessary, and it is revolutionary. They may make the laws in Washington...but change comes from Brooklyn, change comes from us. Our trip to the Washington has reinvigorated us to serve you, our community. We look forward to building with y'all. -KT

(Thanks to the NBJC and The White House --- and the random lady who took our pic!)